IPMBA News

It wasn’t until recently that I became a fan of using CO2 to pump up my flat tires. I guess I’m still somewhat “old school”, and have always used a hand pump. However, this year I changed my “old school” ways and opted for the CO2 more often than the hand pump. I taught several classes in which students got multiple flats, which always slows the class down a little bit. So this year I decided to work smarter, not harder.

I opted to test Genuine Innovations’ new Mountain Pipe CO2 combination CO2 inflator and pump. This little jewel comes with everything in one nice little package. The CO2 cartridge is integrated with the pump. It houses extra patch kits, and comes with a Schrader valve adapter. It weighs in at 115 grams (without the cartridge) and stores very easily on the bike or in your bag. Don’t let the light weight fool you, though; this pump is rugged! It is constructed of alloy with brass internals so it will take being tossed around.

To work this pump, you unscrew the CO2 cartridge, attach it to the top of the pump, place the pump onto your valve, and you are ready to fill the tube. I really like how you can regulate the amount of CO2 simply by twisting the CO2 cartridge in the pump. Another nice feature is you have a place to store the spent cartridge by screwing it back into the pump. If you need more air in the tube (or if you get more flats than you have cartridges), all you have to do is use the pump to add more.

I have used this thing multiple times over the last six months and will continue to carry it in my bag. It is more efficient than any hand pump I have ever used! At $39.99, it costs a bit more than some others, but you get what you pay for. Visit www.genuineinnovations.com for information and to purchase.

Charlie is the sergeant responsible for ILSTU Police Department’s bike patrol. He was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist in 1998 and an IPMBA Instructor in 2001. He serves as industry liaison on the IPMBA Board of Directors and can be reached at cesumme@ilstu.edu.

About IPMBA

The International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) is a non-profit educational organization providing resources, networking opportunities, and the best, most complete training for public safety bicyclists.